Photographers making the best of the rain and clouds in Yosemite Valley. Photo by Rennett Stowe.
It looks like winter is coming a little early this year bringing with it the first major storm of the season that’s expected to close most of the trans-Sierra passes.
According to the National Weather Service we can expect wet, rainy conditions in the Valley and lower elevations with between 5-10 inches of snow dropping to 8000ft. A flash-flood warning is also in effect for lower elevations and drainages as HEAVY rains are expected at times.
The major threat from this storm isn’t rain or snow though, it’s wind. High winds are expected to accompany this storm and that can be a big problem in the Valley. Parts of Curry Village and Yosemite Lodge have had to be closed before during high winds as whole stands of trees have come crashing down.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 69. East southeast wind 6 to 13 mph becoming south southwest.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 34. South wind between 8 and 11 mph.
Tuesday: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 55. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 18 mph increasing to between 23 and 26 mph. Winds could gust as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Tuesday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 33. Breezy, with a south southwest wind between 21 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Wednesday: Rain. High near 61. Southwest wind between 16 and 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. (NOAA)